US9500338B2 - Vehicle lamp - Google Patents

Vehicle lamp Download PDF

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Publication number
US9500338B2
US9500338B2 US14/695,580 US201514695580A US9500338B2 US 9500338 B2 US9500338 B2 US 9500338B2 US 201514695580 A US201514695580 A US 201514695580A US 9500338 B2 US9500338 B2 US 9500338B2
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United States
Prior art keywords
lamp
lens
projection lens
vehicle lamp
light
Prior art date
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Expired - Fee Related
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US14/695,580
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English (en)
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US20150323148A1 (en
Inventor
Toshiaki Tsuda
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Koito Manufacturing Co Ltd
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Koito Manufacturing Co Ltd
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Publication date
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Assigned to KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD. reassignment KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: TSUDA, TOSHIAKI
Publication of US20150323148A1 publication Critical patent/US20150323148A1/en
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Classifications

    • F21S48/1721—
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/16—Laser light sources
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/0017—Devices integrating an element dedicated to another function
    • B60Q1/0023—Devices integrating an element dedicated to another function the element being a sensor, e.g. distance sensor, camera
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
    • B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
    • B60Q1/06—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle
    • B60Q1/068—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle by mechanical means
    • B60Q1/0683—Adjustable by rotation of a screw
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21K—NON-ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES USING LUMINESCENCE; LIGHT SOURCES USING ELECTROCHEMILUMINESCENCE; LIGHT SOURCES USING CHARGES OF COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL; LIGHT SOURCES USING SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES AS LIGHT-GENERATING ELEMENTS; LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21K9/00—Light sources using semiconductor devices as light-generating elements, e.g. using light-emitting diodes [LED] or lasers
    • F21K9/60—Optical arrangements integrated in the light source, e.g. for improving the colour rendering index or the light extraction
    • F21K9/64—Optical arrangements integrated in the light source, e.g. for improving the colour rendering index or the light extraction using wavelength conversion means distinct or spaced from the light-generating element, e.g. a remote phosphor layer
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/176—Light sources where the light is generated by photoluminescent material spaced from a primary light generating element
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/20—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S41/25—Projection lenses
    • F21S41/255—Lenses with a front view of circular or truncated circular outline
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/20—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S41/29—Attachment thereof
    • F21S41/295—Attachment thereof specially adapted to projection lenses
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/60—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution
    • F21S41/63—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on refractors, filters or transparent cover plates
    • F21S41/635—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on refractors, filters or transparent cover plates by moving refractors, filters or transparent cover plates
    • F21S48/1145—
    • F21S48/115—
    • F21S48/1216—
    • F21S48/125—
    • F21S48/1258—
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
    • F21V23/04—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches
    • F21V23/0442—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
    • F21V23/04—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches
    • F21V23/0442—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors
    • F21V23/0492—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors the sensor detecting a change in orientation, a movement or an acceleration of the lighting device, e.g. a tilt switch
    • F21W2101/10—
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2102/00—Exterior vehicle lighting devices for illuminating purposes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2102/00—Exterior vehicle lighting devices for illuminating purposes
    • F21W2102/10—Arrangement or contour of the emitted light
    • F21W2102/13—Arrangement or contour of the emitted light for high-beam region or low-beam region
    • F21W2102/135—Arrangement or contour of the emitted light for high-beam region or low-beam region the light having cut-off lines, i.e. clear borderlines between emitted regions and dark regions
    • F21W2102/14—Arrangement or contour of the emitted light for high-beam region or low-beam region the light having cut-off lines, i.e. clear borderlines between emitted regions and dark regions having vertical cut-off lines; specially adapted for adaptive high beams, i.e. wherein the beam is broader but avoids glaring other road users
    • F21W2102/15—Arrangement or contour of the emitted light for high-beam region or low-beam region the light having cut-off lines, i.e. clear borderlines between emitted regions and dark regions having vertical cut-off lines; specially adapted for adaptive high beams, i.e. wherein the beam is broader but avoids glaring other road users wherein the light is emitted under L-shaped cut-off lines, i.e. vertical and horizontal cutoff lines
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2107/00—Use or application of lighting devices on or in particular types of vehicles
    • F21W2107/10—Use or application of lighting devices on or in particular types of vehicles for land vehicles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2101/00—Point-like light sources
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a vehicle lamp.
  • Patent Document 1 a vehicle lamp having a plurality of lamp units each emitting light forward is known.
  • vehicle lamp respective irradiation regions are combined to form a light distribution pattern such as a low-beam light distribution pattern.
  • Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-317513
  • a precise alignment of respective irradiation regions is required. For example, in a case where the upper sides of the respective irradiation regions are deviated from each other in the vertical direction at the time of forming a low-beam light distribution pattern, a step occurs in cutoff lines. Accordingly, a user feels a discomfort.
  • Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a vehicle lamp which forms a light distribution pattern by combining the irradiation regions of the plurality of lamp units and in which the vertical positions of the respective irradiation regions can be accurately aligned.
  • a plurality of lamp units each comprising a light source and a projection lens configured to emit light emitted from the light source to the front
  • the plurality of lamp units form a light distribution pattern by combining irradiation regions formed by each lamp unit
  • At least one of the lamp units has a lens driving, mechanism configured to tilt the projection lens in a vertical direction.
  • the deviation of the irradiation regions can be eliminated by the lens driving mechanism without improving the assembly accuracy. As a result, it is possible to form a light distribution pattern having a desired shape.
  • An area of the projection lens may be 1000 min 2 or less, as seen in a front view.
  • the lens driving mechanism can be used to align multiple irradiation regions so that the light distribution pattern formed by combining the multiple irradiation regions has a desired shape. Further, since the projection lens is lightweight, it is possible to reduce a driving force of the lens driving mechanism.
  • the projection lens may be made of resin.
  • the projection lens is lightweight, an output of the lens driving mechanism to be required can be reduced.
  • the lens driving mechanism may have a sensor configured to detect the light emitted from the light source.
  • the failure of the light source can be detected by the sensor.
  • the sensor can be provided in the vehicle lamp without requiring a separate structure for supporting the sensor.
  • the light source may comprise a semiconductor light emitting element and a phosphor layer having phosphors to emit fluorescence by receiving the light emitted from the semiconductor light emitting element, and
  • the senor detects at least one of the intensity of the light emitted from the semiconductor light emitting element and the intensity of the fluorescence.
  • the intensity of light emitted from the semiconductor light emitting element is increased or the fluorescence is weakened. According to the present invention, it is possible to detect the breakage of the phosphor layer by the sensor.
  • a vehicle lamp which forms a light distribution pattern by combining the irradiation regions of the plurality of lamp units and in which the vertical positions of respective irradiation regions can be accurately aligned.
  • FIG. 1 is a front view of a vehicle lamp according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a view taken along a line II-II of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 is a view taken along a line III-III of FIG. 1 .
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B are views showing a light distribution pattern that is formed by the vehicle lamp shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B are views showing a portion of a vehicle lamp according, to a first modified example of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B are views showing a portion of a vehicle lamp according to a second modified example of the present invention.
  • a vehicle lamp of the present embodiment is a lamp provided on the front of a vehicle.
  • FIG. 1 is a front view of a vehicle lamp 1 according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a view taken along a line of FIG. 1 .
  • an extension 6 (see FIG. 2 ) is omitted.
  • the vehicle lamp 1 shown in FIG. 1 is disposed on the left portion of the front of a vehicle.
  • the vehicle lamp 1 includes a plurality of (three in the example shown) lamp units 10 .
  • the plurality of lamp units 10 are arranged in the horizontal direction.
  • the vehicle lamp 1 forms a low-beam light distribution pattern by combining irradiation regions formed by three lamp units 10 .
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. 1 .
  • the vehicle lamp 1 includes a housing 2 that has an opening portion in the front, and an outer cover 3 that closes the opening portion to form a lamp chamber S together with the housing 2 .
  • the lamp unit 10 is provided in the interior of the lamp chamber S.
  • the lamp unit 10 is supported to a support board 15 .
  • the support board 15 is fixed to the housing 2 via an aiming screw 5 .
  • the lamp unit 10 includes a light source unit 11 , a reflector 12 , a shade part 13 , a projection lens 14 , the support board 15 , a light source holder 16 and a lens holder 17 .
  • the light source unit 11 includes a laser diode 11 a and a phosphor layer 11 b .
  • the laser diode 11 a is mounted on an upper surface of the light source holder 16 .
  • the phosphor layer 11 b is mounted on the upper surface of the light source holder 16 so as to cover an upper surface of the laser diode 11 a .
  • the laser diode 11 a emits a blue light.
  • a portion of the light emitted from the laser diode 11 a emits a yellow fluorescence when passing through the phosphor layer 11 b , and the other portion thereof passes through the phosphor layer 11 b . In this way the light source unit 11 emits a white light by mixing the blue light and the yellow light.
  • the reflector 12 is fixed to the upper surface of the light source holder 16 so as to cover the upper side of the light source unit 11 .
  • the reflector 12 has a spheroidal reflecting surface. The reflector 12 reflects the light emitted from the light source unit 11 to the projection lens 14 .
  • the projection lens 14 is a lens made of resin.
  • the projection lens 14 is disposed on the front of the light source unit 11 .
  • the projection lens 14 is fixed to the lens holder 17 that is fixed to a front surface of the light source holder 16 .
  • the projection lens 14 emits the light emitted from the light source unit 11 toward the front.
  • the projection lens 14 includes a lens portion 14 a and a flange portion 14 h .
  • the lens portion 14 a emits the incident light to the front and the flange portion 14 b is spread in a radial direction from a rear end of the lens portion 14 a .
  • the lens portion 14 a has an area of 1000 mm 2 or less, as seen in a front view.
  • the lens portion 14 a has an area of 500 mm 2 or less, as seen in a front view.
  • the area of the lens portion 14 a shown in FIG. 1 is 300 mm 2 , as seen in a front view.
  • the upper front portion of the light source holder 16 has a recessed shape.
  • a ridge of the recessed shape constitutes the shade part 13 .
  • the shade part 13 has a shape corresponding, to a cutoff line of a low-beam light distribution pattern described later.
  • the light emitted from the light source unit 11 is reflected by the reflector 12 and directed toward the projection lens 14 . Then, the light is emitted to the front of the lamp by the projection lens 14 .
  • the shade part 13 blocks a portion of the light reflected from the reflector 12 . In this way, the cutoff lines of the low-beam light distribution pattern are formed.
  • FIG. 3 is a view taken along the line III-III of FIG. 1 .
  • the lens unit 10 includes a lens driving mechanism 20 .
  • the lens driving mechanism 20 includes a plurality of adjustment screws 21 and a plurality of springs 22 .
  • the projection lens 14 is supported to the lens holder 17 through the adjustment screws 21 and the springs 22 .
  • the lens holder 17 is an annular metal plate.
  • the flange portion 14 b is provided with through holes 24 through which the adjustment screws 21 pass.
  • the lens holder 17 is provided with screw holes 25 to which the adjustment screws 21 are screwed.
  • the adjustment screws 21 pass through the through holes 24 of the flange portion 14 b and are screwed to the screw holes 25 of the lens holder 17 .
  • extensions 6 are provided so as to cover the adjustment screws 24 , as seen in a front view. Accordingly, the adjustment screws 21 are invisible from the outside.
  • Recesses 26 are respectively provided in the surfaces of the flange portion 14 b and the lens holder 17 , which are opposed to each other.
  • the recesses 26 are opened so as to face each other.
  • the springs 22 are accommodated in a state of being compressed in a longitudinal direction between the recesses 26 of the flange portion 14 b and the recesses 26 of the lens holder 17 .
  • the springs 22 exert a force to the projection lens 14 and the lens holder 17 in a direction of separating the projection lens 14 and the lens holder 17 .
  • the adjustment screws 21 are provided in an upper portion, a lower portion, a left portion and a right portion of the flange portion 14 b , as seen in a front view. Therefore, the projection lens 14 can be tilted upward when the adjustment screw 21 on the upper portion is fastened and the screw 21 on the lower portion is released, for example.
  • the lens driving mechanism 20 of the present embodiment can tilt the projection lens 14 in the lateral direction or adjust a distance between the projection lens 14 and the shade part 13 .
  • the projection lens 14 can be tilted to the left direction when the adjustment screw 21 on the left portion is fastened and the adjustment screw 21 on the right portion is released.
  • the projection lens 14 can be close to the shade part 13 when all of the adjustment screws 21 are fastened to the same extent.
  • the vehicle lamp 1 of the present embodiment it is possible to adjust the positions of the irradiation regions which are formed by the lamp unit 10 since the lamp unit 10 includes the lens driving mechanism 20 .
  • the lens driving, mechanism 20 includes an optical sensor 18 .
  • the optical sensor 18 is attached to an upper portion of the lens holder 17 .
  • the optical sensor 18 can detect the intensity of light emitted from the laser diode 11 a .
  • the optical sensor 18 is connected to a control unit that controls an output of the laser diode 11 a.
  • the control unit may be provided in the inside of the lamp chamber S or may be provided in the outside of the lamp chamber S.
  • the control unit may be a portion of the vehicle lamp 1 or a function of the control unit may be combined to an ECU (Electric Control Unit) mounted to a vehicle.
  • ECU Electronic Control Unit
  • An optical filter 19 is provided between the optical sensor 18 and the laser diode 11 a .
  • the optical filter 19 is fixed to a lower side of the optical sensor 18 in the upper portion of the lens holder 17 .
  • Light having the same wavelength as the light emitted from the laser diode 11 a is allowed to be transmitted through the optical filter 19 and light having the other wavelength is blocked by the optical filter 19 . Therefore, the light having the same wavelength as the light emitted from the laser diode 11 a , reaches the optical sensor 18 . In a normal lighting state, light having constant intensity is incident on the optical sensor 18 .
  • the optical sensor 18 can detect the breakage of the phosphor layer 11 b .
  • the phosphor layer 11 b is broken, the light emitted from the laser diode 11 a is emitted without being attenuated by the phosphor layer 11 b . Therefore, the optical sensor 18 receives high-intensity light, as compared to a case where the phosphor layer 11 b is normal.
  • the control unit reduces the output of the laser diode 11 a or stops the output of the laser diode 11 a when the output value of the optical sensor 18 exceeds a critical value.
  • the optical sensor 18 is provided in the lens holder 17 that is a part of the lens driving mechanism 20 . Accordingly, it is not required to separately provide a structure for supporting the optical sensor 18 .
  • the optical sensor 18 detects the intensity of light having the same wavelength as the light emitted from the laser diode 11 a .
  • the optical sensor 18 may detect light having the same wavelength as the fluorescence emitted from the phosphors. In this case, the intensity of light received by the optical sensor 18 is increased when the phosphor layer 11 b is broken.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B are views showing the irradiation regions that are formed by each lamp unit of the vehicle lamp 1 .
  • FIG. 4A shows an example where a low-beam light distribution pattern is formed by irradiation regions formed by three lamp units 10 .
  • the irradiation regions formed by each lamp unit 10 are deviated from each other in a lateral direction. In this way, it is possible to irradiate a wide range in the lateral direction.
  • the positions in the vertical direction of the irradiation regions may be deviated from each other, as in FIG. 4A .
  • the lens driving mechanism 20 can be used to displace the irradiation regions so that cutoff lines of each irradiation region are arranged in one straight line.
  • a first lamp unit 10 forms an irradiation region L 1
  • a second lamp unit 10 forms an irradiation region L 2
  • a third lamp unit 10 forms an irradiation region L 3 .
  • the deviation of the irradiation regions can be eliminated by the lens driving mechanism 20 without improving the assembly accuracy or the component accuracy of the projection lens 14 and the light source unit 11 or the like. As a result, it is possible to form a light distribution pattern having a desired shape.
  • the lens driving mechanism 20 can ensure a driving force required to move the projection lens 14 and rigidity required to hold the posture of the projection lens 14 . Therefore, the lens driving mechanism 20 can be configured in a small size, as compared to a case where the entire vehicle lamp 10 is moved so as to displace the irradiation regions. As a result, the size of the entire vehicle lamp 1 is less likely to be larger.
  • an area of the projection lens 14 is 1000 mm 2 or less, as seen in a front view.
  • the lens driving mechanism 20 can be used to align multiple irradiation regions into a desired shape.
  • the projection lens 14 is lightweight, it is possible to reduce a driving force of the lens driving mechanism 20 .
  • the projection lens 14 is made of resin.
  • the projection lens 14 is lightweight, as compared with a lens made of glass. Accordingly, a force required for driving the projection lens 14 is small, so that the lens driving mechanism 20 can be configured in a small size.
  • each of three lamp units 10 forms an irradiation region having the same shape.
  • each of three lamp units 10 may form an irradiation region having a shape different from each other.
  • FIG. 4B shows an example where each of three lamp units 10 forms an irradiation region having a shape different from each other and one light distribution pattern is formed by three irradiation regions.
  • the first lamp unit 10 forms a first irradiation region L constituting a low-beam light distribution pattern
  • the second lamp unit 10 forms a second irradiation region H constituting a high-beam light distribution pattern
  • the third lamp unit 10 forms a third irradiation region A.
  • the third irradiation region forms an auxiliary light distribution pattern that is optimal to illuminate a road surface near one's own vehicle.
  • the vehicle lamp 1 realizes a light distribution pattern having high visibility by combining the first to third irradiation regions L to A.
  • a center position CH of the second irradiation region H and a center position CA of the third irradiation region A may be deviated from each other.
  • the lens driving mechanism 20 can be used to form the first to third irradiation regions L to A at optimal positions. Further, a positional deviation in the lateral direction can be also adjusted when the lens driving mechanism 20 shown in FIG. 3 is used.
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B are views showing a portion of a vehicle lamp IA according to a first modified example of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5A is a partial front view of the vehicle lamp IA
  • FIG. 5B is a partial side view of the vehicle lamp IA.
  • a lens driving mechanism 20 A includes a rotating shaft portion 27 , an upper adjustment screw 21 and a lower adjustment screw 21 .
  • the rotating shaft portion 27 is provided in the flange portion 14 b of the projection lens 14 and extended in the horizontal direction.
  • the adjustment of the upper and lower adjustment screws 21 causes the projection lens 14 to be rotated around the rotating shaft portion 27 , so that the projection lens 14 can be tilted in the vertical direction.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B are views showing a portion of a vehicle lamp 1 B according to a second modified example of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6A is a partial front view of the vehicle lamp 1 B
  • FIG. 6B is a partial side view of the vehicle lamp 1 B.
  • a lens driving mechanism 20 B shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B includes the rotating shaft portion 27 and a step motor 29 .
  • the rotating shaft portion 27 is provided in the flange portion 14 b of the projection lens 14 and extended in the horizontal direction.
  • the step motor 29 is connected to the rotating shaft portion 27 through a gear 28 .
  • the projection lens 14 is rotated around the rotating shaft portion 27 , so that the projection lens 14 can be tilted in the vertical direction.
  • the lens driving mechanism 20 B is controlled by a control unit provided in a lamp or a vehicle, so that the tilting in the vertical direction of the projection lens 14 can be adjusted.
  • a lens part has been described which has a circular shape, as seen in a front view.
  • the projection lens may have a rectangular shape or a polygonal shape, as seen in a front view.
  • a laser diode is used as a semiconductor light emitting element.
  • the present invention is not limited thereto.
  • an LED element or EL element may be used.
  • the number of the plurality of the lamp units is not limited to three.
  • the vehicle lamp may include any number (two or more) of lamp units.
  • an arrangement direction of the plurality of the lamp units is not limited to the horizontal direction.
  • the plurality of the lamp units may be arranged in the vertical direction or may be arranged in a matrix shape in rows and columns.
  • the lens driving mechanism may be used to displace the irradiation regions during the lighting, thereby changing the light distribution pattern.
  • all of the plurality of the lamp units may not include the lens driving mechanism. At least one of the plurality of the lamp units may include the lens driving mechanism.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
  • Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)
US14/695,580 2014-05-08 2015-04-24 Vehicle lamp Expired - Fee Related US9500338B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2014-096931 2014-05-08
JP2014096931A JP6377400B2 (ja) 2014-05-08 2014-05-08 車両用灯具

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US20150323148A1 US20150323148A1 (en) 2015-11-12
US9500338B2 true US9500338B2 (en) 2016-11-22

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US (1) US9500338B2 (ja)
JP (1) JP6377400B2 (ja)
CN (1) CN105090854A (ja)
DE (1) DE102015208487A1 (ja)
FR (1) FR3020863B1 (ja)

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JP6600209B2 (ja) * 2015-09-24 2019-10-30 スタンレー電気株式会社 車両用灯具
WO2017121676A1 (en) * 2016-01-12 2017-07-20 Lumileds Holding B.V. Lighting arrangement with exact positioning of an optical element
JP7061071B2 (ja) * 2016-09-15 2022-04-27 株式会社小糸製作所 センサシステム、センサモジュール、およびランプ装置
JP2018106825A (ja) * 2016-12-22 2018-07-05 株式会社小糸製作所 車両用灯具
JP7047330B2 (ja) * 2017-10-30 2022-04-05 市光工業株式会社 車両用の灯具
US11873962B2 (en) 2018-05-01 2024-01-16 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Vehicle lamp
JP7234542B2 (ja) * 2018-09-05 2023-03-08 市光工業株式会社 車両用灯具
JPWO2021070789A1 (ja) * 2019-10-10 2021-04-15
WO2023028126A1 (en) * 2021-08-24 2023-03-02 Magwerks Vision Inc. Single point alignment for led prescription optics

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JP2015215975A (ja) 2015-12-03
US20150323148A1 (en) 2015-11-12
JP6377400B2 (ja) 2018-08-22
CN105090854A (zh) 2015-11-25
DE102015208487A1 (de) 2015-11-12
FR3020863B1 (fr) 2019-04-19
FR3020863A1 (fr) 2015-11-13

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